Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Reviews
5,196 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to efficiently see 2 main sites in Venice, learn some history, and do it all in 2.5-3.0 hours
Albert C,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide (very nice lady) provided interesting insights without overwhelming the guests. Kept the tour moving, hitting the highlights, without overdoing it. My family was very happy with the tour. You could spend all day in these sites if you wanted, but for us, we just wanted to see the key items, take some photos, and move on. It was perfect for us.
Fascinating Venice highlight
Darren H,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Francesca was an extremely knowledgeable guide and made this tour fascinating and the highlight of our stay in Venice
The stairs in the...
Rachel K,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The stairs in the Basilica San Marco are steep and narrow and may not be accessible for some. Our guide Matteo was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
Do NOT use
Deanna G,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Our train was late, asked if we could do a later time, they said no. Asked if they could send us our tickets so we can still access the sites, they refused to send us the tickets we already paid for. Terrible customer service. Do not recommend this company or this local guide.
Excellent tour with local knowledge.
Stay31377283850,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with lots of knowledge
Tour was only 2 hours,...
Juleah C,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour was only 2 hours, not 3 like it says in the description. That ended up being ok though, because we are traveling with some older people and 3 hours would have been too long.
Amazing Experience
juliedA1741VI,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Entering the palace first thing before the crowds was worth the early morning. Martina was an excellent guide, very informative. Would highly recommend.
So glad we booked this tour!
TarynRS,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful tour. So glad we booked the early access time as we got to see both places before it got too busy. Martina was a great tour guide - very knowledgable and engaging.
We had a fantastic...
Amy H,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic experience on this tour! Our guide, Mosa, was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and made the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. We learned so much while also having a great time. We’re especially glad we chose the option that included access to the terrace—that was definitely the highlight for us and offered an unforgettable view. Thank you for such a memorable experience. We would absolutely recommend this tour to others!
Great tour and your guide
Kristine K,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TheTour Guide Iole was amazing! Enough time to enjoy the tour, interesting presentation with so many details to remember. Definitely worth the time and money
From €74.00
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Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain